Climate Change Hits Kraals in Kitgum as Animals Face Water and Pasture Shortage

31 December 2025, 7:04 pm

By Otim Moses

Animals kept in kraals in Kitgum district to protect them from Karamojong cattle raids are now battling with the effects of climate change especially high temperatures and prolonged dry season

The kraals which were initiated by security forces to help protect livestock are facing challenges as water and pasture continue to reduce forcing some livestock owners to remove their animals from the kraals

According to Mr.Omoya Charles a livestock owner from Palobolo village in Palobolo parish Namokora North sub county Kitgum district climate change has greatly affected animals due to lack of water

He said the area has only one dam and animals are forced to move about seven kilometers to look for water and when they return they still appear thirsty

Mr. Omoya added that there are currently four kraals including one managed by the local community one owned by Nyangkole who bought land another owned by Hon. Sam Okwir Odwee Member of Parliament for Moroto County Alebtong district and another kraal owned by Mr. Ogira who fled from Orom sub-county and resettled in Namokora due to fear of Karamojong cattle raiders

He explained that when the kraals started each had about three hundred heads of cattle but numbers have reduced as some owners withdrew their animals due to extreme heat diseases like foot and mouth black quarter and attacks from black flies

He also said there is no fresh grass for animals which has forced some cattle keepers to burn grass in search of new pasture and this has resulted in low milk production with people  especially Nyangkole complaining about shortage of milk

Mr.Omoya appealed to Kitgum district local government and the central government to construct more dams provide water during dry season and support timely vaccination of animals to prevent disease outbreaks

Meanwhile Mr.Omoya Francis a veterinary officer from Kitgum district said there are currently no cases of foot and mouth disease in the district but black quarter is common during the dry season and affects livestock

He explained that animal diseases are divided into public and private diseases and when farmers organize themselves in groups of at least fifty people the government can support them with vaccines

He urged farmers to always vaccinate their animals especially during weather changes since diseases become more common during dry seasons